The effect of a single remote injection of statin-impregnated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres on osteogenesis around titanium implants in rat tibia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of newly developed injectable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing fluvastatin on osteogenesis around titanium implants in the rat tibia. After confirmation of the sustained-release profile of fluvastatin from the microspheres by an in vitro assay, the microspheres were administered to the back skin of the rats by a single transdermal injection. At 2 and 4 weeks after the implant surgery, the fluvastatin groups showed enhanced new bone formation around the titanium implants without any influence on the serum biochemistry. In addition, the fluvastatin groups showed increased three-point bending strengths of their femurs. The results of this study indicate that a single remote injection of PLGA/fluvastatin microspheres safely and successfully stimulated bone formation around titanium implants and increased the mechanical properties of bone. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.